Forum Discussion

denislmorin's avatar
denislmorin
Explorer
May 31, 2015

Vehicle Speed Sensor

I have a 1994 E-350 Econoline Motorhome. When I drive on the Highway the speedometer goes haywire, my ABS light is always on and sometimes my cruise gets disengaged. After reading up on the problem the likely culprit is the Vehicle Speed Sensor. Any idea where this is situated and whether it can be changed by myself? Thanks

21 Replies

  • denislmorin wrote:
    I just got it safetied and I was told by the mechanic not to worry about the ABS light being on.


    And I think you need a new mechanic.

    While that light is on, the ABS function will be disabled.

    It doesn't take much hard braking to get a high center of gravity vehicle a little sideways so that it flops over on it's side.
  • Thanks You J-D and Tommykelly and others. I will try over the next few days and will let you know the outcome.
  • same thing on a '99 f350 dually...unplug the sensor on the rear axle .make sure connection is clean and put just a little electrical grease and put plug in making sure it is properly connected....try the cheap way first...I bought a new sensor and did not need it.

    I use spray electrical cleaner
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    The VSS went out in our 1992 Ford Van. Cruise, Speedo/ODO, and Overdrive would not work.
    Part is available at common parts outlets. Ask for your CHASSIS model year, which may be earlier than that of your coach. Look for Ford's VIN label in the driver door frame. Date of Manufacture will tell, so will a Position 10 of VIN. 1993 = P, 1994 = R
    CLEAN the area on top front of the differential housing. Remove one retaining screw with 10mm socket. Check wiring connector for release tab. Release and unplug. Transfer O-Ring to new VSS if not provided with part. Lube O-Ring, reinstall, tighten screw, plug wiring back.
    • Manitobob's avatar
      Manitobob
      Explorer

      Just want to say thank you very much j-d, if you're still out there.  I have a 1993 E350 Damon Escaper with the auto trans and 460 ci engine. I had numerous symptoms, bouncing speedo, irregular shifting, Rear ABS light on, even popping into neutral sometimes. Pulled and replaced the speed sensor on the transaxle per your excellent instructions, and all is well.  Thanks again. Bob

  • Vulcan Rider wrote:
    If you have ABS, each wheel has it's own sensor but I don't think any of them drives the speedo.

    I would be very concerned that your brakes may not work right in a hard stop.
    The brakes will work just fine, just no anti-lock capability.
  • I just got it safetied and I was told by the mechanic not to worry about the ABS light being on. I found where the VSS is located. It is on top of the rear differential. Now to see about ordering the part.
  • If you have ABS, each wheel has it's own sensor but I don't think any of them drives the speedo.

    I would be very concerned that your brakes may not work right in a hard stop.
  • On my 99 F250 it was on the rear axle. Don't know if you could change it.